How to Use Silhouette Design Store Files with the Cricut Joy

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Are you a Silhouette user who also crafts with a Cricut? Wondering how you can use your Silhouette files with the Cricut Joy? Today’s post is just for you!

Recently, I compared the Cricut Joy to the Silhouette Portrait. I own both and while I think the Portrait offers more versatility, I’ve been using the Joy quite a bit lately. It doesn’t take up much room on my desk and it’s handy for small projects. What’s even better is that I can use my Silhouette Design Store files with the Cricut Joy too (as well as other Cricut machines) – as long as they are in SVG format.

Purchasing and Downloading a Silhouette Design Store File to use with your Cricut

Step 1: Purchase the SVG version of the shape

Generally, Design Store files are purchased in Studio format and added directly to your Silhouette Library. But you also have the option to purchase a file in SVG format in addition to the Studio file.

In this example, I’m using the Insert Card Thank You design by Lori Whitlock (Design Store ID 325512).

BONUS TIP: Each week the Design Store offers a new free shape with options to download a Studio file, an SVG, and both the Personal Use and Commercial Use licenses. As with all shapes, the Studio file and Personal Use options are automatically selected, so be sure to select the SVG and Commercial Use options as well. They’re free too and you never know when you might need them!

Step 2: Download the file to your hard drive

If you have credit in your Design Store account, click on the Express option to bypass the checkout process and add the Studio file directly to your Library, then click Proceed.

When you see the second popup message, click on Download Item, then Direct Download. (You can also set up your account to automatically download your order each time.) Be sure to make a note of which folder you specify for the download. 

If you do not have credit in your account, you will be given the Direct Download option once you complete the traditional checkout process.

Once the file is downloaded, unzip the file so that the design will be ready to use in Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, or any other program that accepts SVG files.

What About Silhouette Files You’ve Already Purchased?

I’ve purchased a lot of Design Store shapes over the years but (with the exception of the weekly freebies) I rarely included the SVG format, thinking I wouldn’t need it. So does that mean I have to purchase these designs all over again to get the SVG?  Not exactly. Let’s use these butterfly shapes as an example.

One of my absolute favorite things about the Silhouette Design Store is that I can very easily tell which shapes I’ve already purchased.

Notice that once I click on the thumbnail for the Butterfly Set, there is no option to add the shapes to my cart or use the Express Checkout feature since I already own this design.

However, once I check the box for SVG, the Express Checkout and Add to Cart options reappear. The price shown is the difference between the purchase price of an SVG and the Studio format previously purchased.

The SVG format can then be purchased and downloaded in the same manner described earlier.

Wait a Minute! I own Business Edition, so Why Can’t I Just Save My Silhouette Files as SVGs to Use with My Cricut?

In Silhouette Studio Business Edition, you have the ability to save a file in several different formats, including SVG. Saving your designs as an SVG is fairly straightforward UNLESS you are using a shape (or any part of a shape) from the Silhouette Design Store. In this example, when I try saving the Studio version of the Butterfly Set as an SVG, the following warning message pops up:

You will see these dotted lines when you import the image into Cricut Design Space. Keep in mind that the export restriction will only occur when you are trying to export a Studio file as an SVG, not with SVG files purchased from the Design Store.

Using a Silhouette Design Store SVG in Cricut Design Space

Step 1: Upload the Image to Cricut Design Space.

Open Cricut Design Space, choose Cricut Joy as the machine and select New Project.

Click on Upload.

A new screen will open. Click on Upload Image and locate the SVG on your hard drive.

When the preview loads, click on Save.

Once the file has uploaded, click on the thumbnail. You should see a green outline around the thumbnail. Click on Insert Images.

Step 2: Delete any unnecessary elements and resize the image.

In the column on the right of your design canvas, there will be a list of all elements included in the design. Ungroup the design and delete any elements that you don’t need. I’m using a pre-folded card so the part I’ll be working with is the cutout for the card front that includes the corners and sentiment.

More than likely, the SVG did not import at its original size. If you don’t know the exact size your design needs to be, open the file in Silhouette Studio (in either SVG or Studio format) to check the dimensions. As a rule of thumb, insert card front designs like the one we are using are 5.25 inches wide by 4 inches high, but it never hurts to double-check.

Enter the correct dimensions in the size selection boxes to resize the image.

Step 3: Set the Linetype.

This card design has a sketched (drawn) sentiment along with the cut lines. Ungroup the design, select the sentiment and change the Linetype to Draw.

When each of the linetypes have been set, select the entire design and Attach. (If you skip this step, the sentiment will be not be aligned with the card design when you send it to the Cricut.)

Step 4: Send the design to the Joy

Click on Make It and follow the on-screen instructions to draw the sentiment and cut the card design. If you are using a pre-folded card and the card mat, make sure the design is oriented properly. (I had to rotate my design by 180 degrees in order to put the sentiment in the correct position.)

All that’s left to do is assemble the card!

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Have you ever used Silhouette files with a Cricut? If not, it’s time to give it a try! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or come visit me in the Silhouette Crafters by Design Facebook group!

Until next time,

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